MECHANO THERAPY OF PEDIATRIC CONDYLAR FRACTURES USING BENOIST'S APPLIANCCE : A CASE REPORT

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Journal of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2004;31(3):453-458.
Published online August 31, 2004.

MECHANO THERAPY OF PEDIATRIC CONDYLAR FRACTURES USING BENOIST'S APPLIANCCE : A CASE REPORT

Benoist씨 장치를 이용한 소아의 하악 과두 골절의 치험례

박상욱, 차인호, 김성오, 최병재, 최형준

연세대학교 치과대학 소아치과학교실 구강과학연구소

Correspondence: ,

Abstract

Mandibular fracture is less common in children than in adults. However, children are more susceptible to ankylosis and developmental disorders, and don't respond as well to intermaxillary fixation compared to adults. On the other hand, bone fracture is healed more quickly in children and complications are scarce. Mandibular fracture in children is usually treated successfully with acrylic splint therapy with or without the use of eyelet wires and intermaxillary fixation. Severe complications that include ankylosis and developmental disorders may occur. The frequency and severity of such complications can be mitigated with a shorter duration of intermaxillary fixation and good post-operative care. Encouraging mandibular physical therapy by increasing patient motivation may be necessary in such cases where the patient's response is poor and the duration of intermaxillary fixation increases; when the patient is unable to undergo physical therapy, or when intermaxillary fixation is not necessary with the patient showing only minor symptoms such as trismus. In this case report, a 6 year-old girl with bilateral condylar fracture was treated with elastic in both the upper and lower jaws to allow mandibular physical therapy using a Benoist's appliance, which allows opening, lateral, and protrusive retrusive movements of the mandible. A 7-month follow-up showed beneficial therapeutic effects such as increased mandibular movement and prevention of condylar ankylosis

Key Words: Benoist's appliance, Physical therapy, Condylar fracture, Bone remodeling